Geranium, Lantara plants can repel mosquitoes

TEMERLOH: The Pahang Health Department has identified geranium and lantana camara as plants that can repel mosquitoes.

State Health, Human Resources and Special Tasks Committee chairman Datuk Norol Azali Sulaiman said geraniums also known as "jari lima" and lantana camara ,better known among local community as "bunga tahi ayam", could thus help control the spread of dengue.

"These plants are excellent for housing areas because apart from their exquisite scent which can reduce mosquitoes they are also suitable as decorative plants.

"Feasibility studies on the plants were conducted since 2010. As such we have proposed to the relevant parties such as the local authorities (PBTs) to promote these plants in residential areas," he said.

Norol Azali said this to reporters after a gotong royong programme against Aedes mosquitoes at Taman Saga, Mentakab here today, which was also attended by Pahang Health Department director Dr Sha''ari Ngadiman.

In the first four months this year dengue cases in Pahang dropped to 703 cases from 1,060 cases for the corresponding period last year. - BERNAMA